Price includes

Not included

Bocas del Toro tourism card: $10 entry / $15 exit

Bocas del Toro arrival tax: $3.00 pp

International flights not included unless otherwise stated

On this exciting 12 day tour you visit two Latin American countries seeing the highlights of both Costa Rica and Panama. In beautiful Costa Rica all trails seem to lead to waterfalls, misty crater lakes or jungle-fringed deserted beaches and the whole country is a tropical choose-your-own adventure land. Most people who visit Panama come to see the famous canal, but the Crossroads of the Americas is not only the geographical point where North America meets South America it is also where the Pacific and Atlantic oceans meet.

Full Tour Itinerary

Day 1: San Jose

On arrival at the Juan Santamaría International Airport in the capital San Jose you will be met by one of our tour representatives who will provide you with all the necessary documentation you will need during your holiday, such as vouchers, itinerary and the main contacts information and phone numbers. Then you will be taken to your hotel in the city, which is around 30 minutes away. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free for you to go out and explore on your own.

Accommodation: Standard Presidente

Day 2: San Jose

After a morning at leisure you are taken on a tour of San Jose, which is a beautiful city full of contrasts. Although small it has plenty of museums, parks and interesting areas where you can meet the locals. Older areas in the main downtown will take you back in time and let you appreciate the stylish French architecture You visit some of the most important landmarks like Costa Rica’s National Theatre, a real jewel that boasts one of the 10 most beautiful ceilings in the world and the National Museum.

Accommodation: Standard Presidente

Day 3: San Jose to Arenal Volcano

Leave San Jose this morning and journey through the northern lowlands to the Arenal Volcano. On the way you pass diverse agricultural plantations and cattle ranches before arriving at La Fortuna where you have a typical lunch. In the afternoon visit the world famous Tabacon Hot Springs which features a hot river that flows through a series of pools. At the end of the tour, you will enjoy dinner at the resort and then you will be taken to your selected hotel near to the Arenal Volcano where you stay for the next two nights.

Accommodation: Standard Casa Luna Hotel & Spa

Day 4: Arenal Volcano

Today is free for you to explore the area. The attraction of the volcano has helped to develop the region as a prime destination in the country; from being a small town of cattle and agricultural farms, it has become one of the most tourist-developed areas with hotels, attractions, adventure activities, hot springs and water sports. Here you can visit the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, Venado Caves, La Fortuna Waterfall, and take part in many activities such as river floating, nature walks, canyoning, rafting, hiking and horseback riding.

Accommodation: Standard Casa Luna Hotel & Spa

Day 5: Arenal Volcano to Sarapiqui

Today after breakfast leave your hotel at Arenal and cross the northern plains of Costa Rica to the rich rain forests of Sarapiqui. This route will take you through the San Carlos agricultural lands, the charming plains and several small towns, and you will always be driving on excellent country roads. The plains are characterised by fertile lands, which are used for different standing crops of pineapple, yucca, papaya and bananas. Overnight at your hotel in Sarapiqui.

Accommodation: Standard La Quinta de Sarapiqui

Day 6: Sarapiqui to South Caribbean Coast

Today you continue to the small Caribbean village of Puerto Viejo, located south from Limon City. This region has a unique combination of wonderful beaches, natural resources and Afro Caribbean culture. Here you find adventure and natural history activities that compliment the culture, gastronomy and music. This area is the perfect place to visit if you are looking for relaxation. Local people are open and friendly and the town of Puerto Viejo is a perfect place to experience true Caribbean flavours.

Accommodation: Standard La Quinta de Sarapiqui

Day 7: Puerto Viejo

This morning after a healthy breakfast; take your bathing gear to explore one of the best places in the country for a snorkeling tour, Cahuita National Park. First enjoy a walk through the park trails and see how the tropical rainforest mixes with the white sand beaches and turquoise waters. The iguanas watch you from the branches where they catch the heat of the sun and howler monkeys jump around in the trees. After your hike, put on your snorkeling equipment and prepare to explore the pristine underwater world.

Accommodation: Standard Cariblue

Day 8: Puerto Viejo

Another free day to explore the area at your leisure. The largest fringing coral reef in the Costa Rican Caribbean complements the natural beauty of Cahuita and Puerto Vargas’ beaches. In addition, the reefs of Punta Cocles, Punta Uva, Manzanillo and Punta Mona are great for diving and snorkelling. These sites are perfect for admiring the delicate coral, sea fans, crustaceans, turtles and multi-coloured fish, as well as lots of other sea creatures.

Accommodation: Standard Cariblue

Day 9: Puerto Viejo to Bocas Del Toro Panama

Today you travel to Sixaola, which is the last town before the border with Panama. Pass through customs on foot for the immigration processes, and after having crossed the bridge, board another bus that will take you to Almirantes dock. There a boat will take you to Colon Island, where you spend the next three nights. After checking into your hotel enjoy a half-day snorkelling tour at Punta Caracol, and after at Bocas del Drago where you will have a delicious lunch at a restaurant. Then stop at Starfish Beach before returning to the hotel.

Accommodation: Standard Gran Hotel Bahia

Day 10: Bocas Del Toro

Bocas del Toro is a colourful, Caribbean-style archipelago with incomparable biodiversity and a unique destination for the observation of fauna and flora. This full day tour begins with a short boat ride to Laguna Bocatorito or Dolphin’s Bay, where bottlenose dolphins will play around the boat. After this, you visit two of the most important snorkelling points in the area, Crawl Cay and Zapatilla Cay, in the Bastimentos National Marine Park with its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and one of Panama's most attractive coral reefs.

Accommodation: Standard Gran Hotel Bahia

Day 11: Bocas Del Toro

Today's tour combines the natural wonders of Bocas del Toro with relaxing on its beaches. Firstl visit Bird Island – a real paradise for the bird lovers and the only nesting spot in the Caribbean of the red-billed tropicbird. Then take a boat ride to the northwest of Colon Island, to get to Boca del Drago – one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. Here you will have some free time to relax before stopping again at Starfish Beach where you can enjoy some snorkeling and admire the starfish and the variety of marine life.

Accommodation: Standard Gran Hotel Bahia

Day 12: Return to San Jose

Today your wonderful tour around Costa Rica and Panama comes to an end. After waking up to the magical sound of the sea, you will have a leisurely breakfast before being collected from your hotel and taken to the local airport for your flight back to San Jose. Here you can catch an onward flight or begin your journey home or stay on for a few more days and enjoy more of the delights to be found in the lively capital city of Costa Rica.